Pattern of morbidity and changes in nutritional status among under five children in a slum of South Delhi, India
Kumar, S.; Nagesh, S.; Premarajan, K.C.
JNMA, Journal of the Nepal Medical Association 43(154): 195-199
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2715 Document Number: 643602
It was a prospective study conducted at one of the slums of Delhi. Children below five years old from 40 families were enrolled in the study. All the households were followed up weekly for a period of one year. All demographic data were collected from family in the first visit. Any morbidity during the period were noted. Weights were taken every two months to see the nutritional change in the under five for that period. Result showed under five children accounted 27% out of total population. Half of the total population was illiterate and same proportion had piped water in their house. It was observed that Grade I, II and III malnutrition were 29%, 22%, and 20%, respectively at the first visit. At the last visit the percentage of malnutrition were 28%, 20% and 20% for each grade I, II and III. In the normal weight category the percentage of children increased from 29 to 33 between first and last visit. So, there was little improvement in the grading I, II and III malnutrition as the study progressed. ARI was more common in January-February. Diarrhoea was common in summer season contrary to pyoderma which was common in rainy season. Chickenpox was more prevalent in March-April.